WCIA Food Drive

Champaign's own WCIA News teamed up with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank today for a Food Drive downtown, right across from the new public library. We called for the community to find within them the spirit of giving that makes all of us stronger.

The community responded in a tremendous way, bringing cans wrapped in boxes and plastic bags, and offering graciously from their hard-earned money.

We were impressed by how open and friendly the donors were, and how quickly the donations came in.

The drive started early in the morning, with Foodbank volunteers working side-by-side with the news men and women from WCIA 3. As the day went on, pallet after pallet was filled with bright boxes and cans, then loaded into the truck.

And throughout the day, the community continued to respond to the call. Donations came from young and old, men and women alike, appearing at our tent by car, motorcycle, and foot. They drove up early and walked away late.

As the sun came low, the Food Drive had collected over 6,100 pounds of food and $4,100 for the alleviation of hunger in Eastern Illinois.

It grew dark and the truck was loaded, then shipped to the Foodbank for distribution to pantries and shelters in the area.

On that day, people willingly gave themselves and the little they had for a community struggling in tough times. Recessions try us all, but especially those who struggle with unemployment, who must fight each day to keep their families fed. The drive reminded us how our own community was willing to take up the burden to give and sacrifice for those in need.

If you'd like to get involved, please contact us!

Feeding America: JBF Humatarian Award

This video reminds us that food is a basic humanitarian need. We are proud to work with Feeding America to make a difference in the lives of many.

Get involved by contacting us.

Profile: Isaac, 22, Student Volunteer

My name is Isaac Tan and I just started volunteering at the Eastern Illinois Foodbank this summer. I have spent four years in Champaign-Urbana, attending the University of Illinois. My majors are Chemistry and English Literature. I've learned a lot while attending university, but I must admit I've learned the most in the community while serving and meeting new people.

I came to the Foodbank looking for a way to volunteer and when I arrived, I immediately learned about the different issues facing the health and wellness of Illinois and the country. I was shocked by the large rates of unemployment and hunger, problems not necessarily visible inside the bubble of university life, affecting scores of people. They put me to work at the Foodbank because, I realized, there was much work to be done.

For now, my perspective is an outsider's perspective. I have not worked to alleviate hunger for long, but I feel the duty to serve my community. It keeps me writing and attending events. I know it is not easy to survive when times are tough and when work is hard and long. But I do know that a little bit of public service makes a tremendous difference for the common good.

I am a 22 year old community servant and I will be contributing on this blog. Please keep reading!

Blogging the Foodbank

This blog was created to keep readers informed about the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and the mission to eliminate hunger in Illinois. It was our thinking that people might change the way they look at non-profit organizations, to see us more like an organism--a living, breathing collection of workers, thinkers, and visionaries, all striving for a common purpose.

This blog will illuminate the many different aspects of eliminating hunger from the perspective of ordinary people serving their community. You will see photos and videos of current news, meet people of diverse backgrounds working and serving, and see various foodbank events take shape and run. By reading, you will certainly see a broader view of hunger and it's impact on a community.

But we would also like you to look beyond your own community and connect with foodbanks and people around the world, people just like you who have a heart to serve in their towns and cities, even people curious about volunteering. This blog will inform you about what workers are doing to get involved, and we hope that eventually you might also join the workforce as we fight against the threat of hunger.

Please follow us. Share your stories and comments. Speak freely. Think boldly. Check on us periodically. Most importantly, love one another!